Modular point-of-purchase display

ABSTRACT

A modular point-of-purchase display system is provided with a base in which open-fronted trays are inserted, and an alternative base in which open-fronted trays are stacked onto a base having an inclined, L-shaped profile, when observed from the side, the trays being wider than the base surface upon which they rest. Vertical extensions are provided, for increasing the stacking capacity of each of the bases. Two tray sizes are provided, ones having a shallow depth, and ones having substantially greater depth. Front extensions are provided for the bases, in both modes, for accommodating trays having substantially greater depth. Trays are provided with interior wall components that enable the user to select between several alternative tray interior configurations, to accommodate products being displayed, products having different dimensions, and to accommodate products having different row and/or stack counts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is directed to point-of-purchase display shelving structures, in particular point of purchase display shelving structures for small products, that may be packaged in individual cartons, boxes or plastic or paperboard clamshells.

[0003] 2. Prior Art

[0004] Point of purchase display shelving structures for small size goods are well known. Such shelving structures are often fabricated from metal, plastic, or paperboard materials, may be fabricated to be quickly set up and knocked down, in order to accommodate the needs of the particular business establishment, as well as the changing promotional events that prompt the use of the point of purchase display shelving.

[0005] However, such prior art displays are typically very generic in shape, little more than open-topped or open-front bins in which the goods are piled or stacked. Furthermore, such displays, by their generic nature, are incapable of addressing changing needs or conditions for the ultimate customer, the vendor for the goods being displayed.

[0006] Accordingly, prior art point-of-purchase display stands, for different product package sizes, have, in the past, required different die-cut base and/or tray designs, and typically employed fillers to take up extra space when the package sizes or counts are less than that for which the particular display was designed.

[0007] As such, it would be desirable to provide a point-of-purchase display stand that is capable of being adjusted or modified, in order to accommodate the specific products being displayed, without requiring a range of different die-cut configurations.

[0008] These and other desirable characteristics of the invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, including claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to a modular point-of-purchase display system, for the display of a plurality of individual discrete articles. The modular point-of-purchase display system comprises a base, erectable from a substantially flat blank, and operably configured, upon articulation, to support at least one discrete display tray, the base including an open-fronted tray receiving region.

[0010] The base includes a front panel, a tray support bottom panel extending rearwardly from an upper edge region of the front panel, and a tray support back panel, extending upwardly from a rear edge region of the tray support bottom panel. The tray support bottom panel and the tray support back panel together form, at least in part, the open-fronted tray receiving region.

[0011] One or more display trays are provided, each of the one or more display trays being operably configured to be received by and supported within the open-fronted tray receiving region of the base.

[0012] Each of the one or more display trays has one of a first and a second depth, in which said second depth is greater than said first depth.

[0013] The modular point-of-purchase display system may further comprise a front extension support, erectable from a substantially flat blank, and operably configured for attachment to the front panel of the base, when at least one of the one or more display trays has a second greater depth. The front extension support preferably includes a front extension tray support panel, configured to align in a substantially coplanar orientation with the tray support bottom panel of the base, when the front extension support is attached to the base, for providing support for a forward portion of a bottom wall of a lowermost one of one or more display trays that is received in the tray receiving region.

[0014] The modular point-of-purchase display system may further comprise tray receiving region side panels operably disposed on opposite sides of the open-fronted tray-receiving region, to define a tray-receiving cavity. The tray receiving region side panels are preferably disposed in planes substantially perpendicular to at least one of the tray support bottom panel, the tray support back panel.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the tray receiving cavity has a width that is greater that the width of each of the one or more display trays.

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, in which the tray receiving region of the base is configured for accommodating a stack of trays of a specific number, the modular point-of-purchase display system further comprises a vertical extension support, operably attachable to an upper region of the base, for enabling the accommodation of additional one or more trays atop an uppermost one of a stack of trays of a specific number, which the tray receiving region of the base can accommodate. The vertical extension support may be configured to accommodate a single additional stacked tray. Alternatively, the vertical extension support may be configured to accommodate a plurality of additional stacked trays.

[0017] Preferably, the vertical extension support includes a center panel, that is operably configured, upon positioning of the vertical extension support atop the base, to align in a substantially coplanar manner with the tray support back panel of the base.

[0018] The vertical extension support may be provided with a plurality of downwardly extending tabs configured to engage upper edge portions of the base, for maintaining the vertical extension support in position atop the base.

[0019] Preferably, at least one of the one or more display trays is open-fronted.

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the one or more display trays is provided with at least one deployable easel support, for enabling the tray to be employed in an individual countertop display mode, independent of the base.

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, each of the one or more display trays has a width that is greater than at least one of the tray support bottom panel, the tray support back panel.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the one or more display trays is erectable from a substantially flat blank, into a substantially rectangular open-fronted parallelepiped. Preferably, in one such embodiment, the substantially flat blank includes a plurality of successively connected panels, emanating from a panel, forming an outer top wall of a tray, which plurality of successively connected panels may be articulated in a plurality of different sequences, toward providing different selectable interior configurations for the tray. The plurality of successively connected panels, upon selected articulation, may form a tray having inner and outer top walls and a single back wall. The plurality of successively connected panels, upon articulation, may alternatively form a tray having inner and outer juxtaposed top walls and inner and outer juxtaposed back walls, and inner and outer juxtaposed bottom walls. The plurality of successively connected panels, upon articulation, may alternatively form a tray having inner and outer juxtaposed top walls and inner and outer juxtaposed back walls, and inner and outer vertically spaced bottom walls. The plurality of successively connected panels, upon articulation, may alternatively form a tray having at least one spacer projection extending from inner back and bottom walls, toward an interior region of the tray.

[0023] The modular point-of-purchase display system may further comprise an interior support, formed from a blank discrete from the base.

[0024] The modular point-of-purchase display system may further comprise at least one tray formed from a substantially flat blank, wherein the substantially flat blank includes a plurality of successively connected panels, emanating from a panel forming an inner front wall of a tray, which plurality of successively connected panels form further bottom and back walls for the tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank for an inserted tray floorstand, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0026]FIG. 1a is a plan view of a blank for a support for the floorstand of FIG. 1.

[0027]FIG. 1b is a plan view of a blank for a signage or graphics riser, for use with the stand and the trays in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 1c is a series of illustrations showing the steps for setting up the floorstand of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0029]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a blank for a front extension for an inserted tray floorstand, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0030]FIG. 3a is a plan view of a blank for a shallow tray for use in association with an inserted tray floorstand, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0031]FIG. 3b is a plan view of a blank for a deep tray for use in association with an inserted tray floorstand, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0032]FIG. 4 is an illustration of a shallow tray, shown in its erected form, with bottom and back easel portions deployed, to enable the shallow tray to be used in its countertop configuration.

[0033]FIG. 5 is an illustration of a blank for a short vertical extension, for use with the inserted tray floorstand of FIG. 1.

[0034]FIG. 6 is an illustration of a blank for a long vertical extension, for use with the inserted tray floorstand of FIG. 1.

[0035]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modular point-of-purchase display, incorporating an inserted tray floorstand, and shallow trays, in a two-up configuration.

[0036]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular point-of-purchase display, incorporating an inserted tray floorstand, and shallow trays, in a three-up configuration.

[0037]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modular point-of-purchase display, incorporating an inserted tray floorstand, and deep trays, in a four-up configuration.

[0038]FIG. 10 is an enlarged, top and side perspective view of a portion of the modular point-of-purchase display of FIG. 9.

[0039]FIG. 11 is an enlarged, rear and side perspective view of a portion of the modular point-of-purchase display of FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0040]FIG. 12 is a plan view of a blank for an exposed tray floorstand, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0041]FIG. 12b is a plan view of a blank for a signage or graphics riser, for use with the stand and the trays in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 13 is a plan view of a blank for a front extension for an exposed tray floorstand, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 12.

[0043]FIG. 14a is a plan view of a blank for a tray for use in association with an exposed tray floorstand, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 12.

[0044]FIG. 14b is a plan view of an alternative blank for a tray for use in association with an exposed tray floorstand, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 12.

[0045]FIG. 15 is an illustration of a blank for a vertical extension, for use with the exposed tray floorstand of FIG. 12.

[0046]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand display, employing shallow trays.

[0047]FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an exposed tray floorstand display, in which the tray is articulated into a slip sleeve configuration without deployed spacer projections.

[0048]FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an exposed tray floorstand display, in which the tray is articulated into a slip sleeve configuration, with deployed spacer projections.

[0049]FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of an upper portion of an exposed tray floorstand display, showing the vertical extension.

[0050]FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an exposed tray floorstand display, in which the tray is articulated into a clamshell configuration.

[0051]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand display, employing two deep trays.

[0052]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand display, with vertical extension, employing four deep trays, in different configurations.

[0053]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand display, with vertical extension, employing three deep trays, in different configurations.

[0054]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the lower portion of an exposed tray floorstand display, showing the front extension.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, a specific embodiment, with the understanding that the present invention is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

[0056] In the figures, unless otherwise noted, the usual convention is observed that solid lines on the interior of a figure represent cuts, edges or points of inflection (like a ridge, crease or inwardly or outwardly projecting gusset), and broken or dashed lines indicate folds, score lines or other lines of weakness.

[0057] The present invention is directed to a modular point-of-purchase display stand system, in two basic embodiments (inserted trays and exposed trays), with several configuration options. The system includes: 1) the “inserted tray” embodiment, including inserted trays (in both shallow and deep configurations); a floorstand base for inserted trays; a base front extender for enabling the accommodation of deep inserted trays; and 2) the “exposed tray” embodiment, including exposed trays (in both shallow and deep configurations); a floorstand base for exposed trays; a base front extender for enabling the accommodation of deep exposed trays; vertical or top extenders, for permitting increased stacks or layers of trays (for both base configurations); and 3) a graphics or signage riser, applicable to both embodiments.

[0058] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the blanks may all be fabricated from corrugated paperboard, particularly of a kind in which all of the surfaces that will be exposed to public visual inspection during use may be faced with bleached white, printed, pigmented or clay-coated kraft paper or some other cosmetically more attractive surface than the typical brown plain kraft paper with which corrugated paperboard is often made.

[0059] FIGS. 1-11 illustrate the components of the “inserted tray” embodiment. FIG. 1 is a plan view of base/blank 10 for an inserted tray floorstand, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Blank 10, preferably formed from corrugated paperboard material (though other materials may be used) includes front panel 12, front bottom flap 14, fold line 16, tray support bottom panel 18, fold line 20, and tray support back panel 22. Tray support back panel 22 is connected to tray support bottom panel 18 by three fold lines 24 a, 24 b and 24 c, which are separated by contoured cuts 25 a and 25 b. Top edge panel 28 is connected to tray support back panel 22 along fold line 27, and to back connection panel 30 by fold line 29. Back connection panel 30 includes two notches 31 a and 31 b.

[0060] Elongated slots 32 a, 32 b and 32 c are located along three edges of front panel 12. Front side panels 34 a and 34 b emanate from front panel 12, along fold lines 35 a, 35 b, respectively. Rear side panels 36 a, 36 b emanate from front side panels 34 a and 34 b, along fold lines 37 a, 37 b, respectively (which are provided, for enabling blank 10 to be folded flat for shipping, prior to final articulation into the finished configuration). Side panel bottom flaps 38 a-d emanate from the bottom edges of front side panels 34 a-b and rear side panels 36 a-b, along fold lines 39 a-d, respectively.

[0061] Back panel 40 emanates from the rear edge of rear side panel 36 b, along fold line 41. Back panel bottom flap 42 emanates from the bottom edge of back panel 40, along fold line 43. Glue flap 44 emanates from the rear edge of rear side panel 36 a, along fold line 45.

[0062] Tray receiving region side panels 46 a, 46 b, emanate from front side panels 34 a, 34 b, along fold lines 47 a, 47 b, and are separated from tray support back panel 22, and tray support bottom panel 18, by cuts 48 a-b and 49 a-b.

[0063]FIG. 1a is a plan view of a blank 42 for an interior base support for base 10. Blank 42 includes center panel 44; fold lines 45 a and 45 b; rear side panels 46 and 47; fold lines 48 a, 48 b (which are provided solely for packing purposes, for enabling reduction in the size of the blank for shipping purposes; and front side panels 49 and 50.

[0064]FIG. 1c is a series of illustrations showing the steps for setting up the floorstand of the embodiment of FIG. 1. Fabrication of base 10 is accomplished by gluing tab 44 to panel 40, so that a tube is formed. Typically, the sides will be collapsed by folding front side panels 34 a, 34 b over rear side panels 36 a, 36 b, with the edges formed by fold lines 37 a, 37 b projecting inwardly, so that base 10 is collapsed flat for shipping (upper left of FIG. 1c). Set up comprises pushing out the in-folded side panels, and folding in the bottom flaps. Then, the base support 42 is folded into the shape shown in the upper right of FIG. 1c and inserted down into base 10. Tray support bottom panel 18 is folded downward to form an oblique or perpendicular angle to front panel 12. Tray support back panel 22 is lowered, while top edge panel 28 is folded oblique or perpendicular to tray support back panel 22, to a substantially horizontal orientation, and back connection panel 30 is folded down. Simultaneously, notches 49 a and 50 a will be aligned with and inserted into slots 22 a and 22 b of tray support back panel 22. Panel 22 is then folded back over support 42, so that notches 31 a and 31 b engage and interfit with notches 46 a, 47 a (lower left of FIG. 1c).

[0065]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a blank for a front extension 50 for inserted tray floorstand 10. Front extension 50 is used, when “deep” inserted trays are going to be used in the display. Front extension/blank 50 includes front panel 52; fold lines 53 a and 53 b; side panels 54 a and 54 b; fold lines 55 a and 55 b; attachment flaps 56 a and 56 b; fold lines 57 a and 57 b; hook tabs 58 a and 58 b; fold line 59; top panel 60; fold line 61; rear flap 62; and die cut flap 63 with tab 64.

[0066] Articulation of blank 50 is accomplished by folding panels 54 a, 54 b back oblique to front panel 52. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, front panel 52 is not as wide as front panel 12 of base 10. Accordingly, there is an included angle between front panel 52 and each of panels 54 a, 54 b, in the finally articulated extension, that is greater than 90°. Alternatively, if front panel 52 is as wide as front panel 12, then panels 54 a, 54 b will eventually be substantially perpendicular to front panel 52. Top panel 60 is folded down, past the perpendicular, so that its surface is parallel to the top edges of side panels 54 a and 54 b. Back panel 62 is folded down to extend vertically, parallel to front panel 52, and will abut the front of front panel 12, when front extension 50 is attached to a base 10. Attachment flaps 56 a, 56 b, with their corresponding hook tabs 58 a and 58 b, are received in slots 32 a, 32 c, respectively, of base 10, while tab 64 is received through slot 32 b.

[0067] In an embodiment of the invention, the displays of the present invention may be employed for the display of video products, such as Digital Video Disc (DVD) holders (relatively thin containers—on the order of one-half inch thick, by five and one-quarter inches, by seven and one-half inches—also known as “Amaray/Amray trays”), or video tapes, in containers known as clamshells (having the following typical dimensions: 9 in.×5 {fraction (7/16)} in.×1 {fraction (3/16)} in.) or in paperboard envelopes known as slipsheets or slip sleeves (which occupy less volume and have smaller overall dimensions than do clamshells—having the following dimensions 7 {fraction (7/16)} in.×4 ⅛ in.×1 {fraction (1/16)} in.).

[0068] The present invention is not to be construed as limited to the display of such products, but may be applicable to other types of product packaging that is generally rectangular parallelepiped in form, as well as, with some modification, blister packs or other packaging modes, all without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0069]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank for a tray 70 for use in association with inserted tray floorstand 10, specifically a shallow tray, as is reflected in the fact that the top and bottom walls are approximately one-half as deep as the back wall is high. Blank 70 is configured to be articulated in several different ways, depending upon the shape, size and quantity of the articles to be displayed, to accommodate different packaging styles and sizes, such as those discussed hereinabove.

[0070] Blank 70 includes back wall 72; diecut easel flaps 74, with movable tabs 76 extending along fold lines perpendicular to the fold lines for flaps 74; and diecut holes 75 a, 75 b. Bottom wall 82 is connected to back wall 72 along fold line 84, and includes diecut easel flap 86 with movable tabs 88 foldably attached thereto; diecut holes 87 a, 87 b, and slots 89 a, 89 b. Tabs 88 include short projections 90 a, 90 b.

[0071] Outer front panel 92 emanates from fold line 91 (along which are located elongated slots 91 a, 91 b), and inner front panel 94 emanates from double fold line 93. The free “bottom” edge of front panel 94 includes two shallow tabs 95 a, 95 b. Middle bottom wall 95 c emanates along fold line 95 d from inner front panel 94, and middle back wall 95 e emanates along fold line 95 f from middle bottom wall 95 c.

[0072] Sidewalls 96 a, 96 b emanate from back wall 72 along fold lines 97 a, 97 b, respectively. Slots 98 a, 98 b are aligned substantially along fold lines 97 a, 97 b, as well. Locking flaps 99 a, 99 b emanate from sidewalls 96 a, 96 b, along fold lines 100 a, 100 b. Inner sidewalls 103 a, 103 b emanate from sidewalls 96 a, 96 b, along double fold lines 104 a, 104 b, and include shallow tabs 105 a, 105 b. Inner side tabs 106 a, 106 b also emanate along fold lines 104 a, 104 b. Outer top wall 108 emanates from back wall 72 along fold line 107. Top flaps 110 a, 110 b, emanate from outer top wall 108, along fold lines 109 a, 109 b. Inner top wall 112 extends along double fold line 111, and incorporates two shallow tabs 113 a, 113 b, defined by cuts 114 a, 114 b, and perforations 114 c-e. Optional inner back wall 115 adjoins inner top wall 112, and incorporates diecut deployable projections 116 a-116 b (although two are shown, a greater or lesser number may be employed, as desired), which are shown in their undeployed form, in FIG. 3. Each deployable projection includes two opposing, joined tabs, e.g., tabs 117 a and 117 b, that are pivotably connected to one another, and have a circular (or other shape) hole 118 centered on the fold line between the tabs. Inner bottom wall 119 is connected to inner back wall 115, via the several pairs of tabs 117 a, 117 b, as well as the foldably connected rectangular mini-panels 120 a-120 c, located between the respective pairs of tabs 117 a, 117 b. Inner bottom wall 119 includes side flaps 119 a and 119 b, and inner locking flap 122.

[0073] Articulation of tray 70 is as follows: walls 108 and 82 are folded (e.g., toward the viewer of FIG. 3) to positions perpendicular to back wall 72. Flaps 110 a, 110 b are folded inwardly, perpendicular to back wall 108; flaps 99 a, 99 b are folded inwardly, perpendicular to outer sidewalls 96 a, 96 b, which are, in turn, folded inwardly (toward the viewer), to be perpendicular to back wall 82. Inner side flaps 103 a, 103 b are folded inwardly, until tabs 105 a, 105 b are received in slots 98 a, 98 b. Flaps 99 a, 99 b, 110 a, 110 b will be captured between outer sidewalls 96 a, 96 b, and their respective inner sidewalls 103 a, 103 b.

[0074] Flaps 106 a and 106 b are folded to be parallel to back wall 72, and to point toward one another. Outer front wall 92 is folded up perpendicular to bottom wall 82. Inner front wall 94 is folded to the inside of wall 92, so that flaps 106 a, 106 b are captured between them. Tabs 95 a and 95 b also lock into slots 91 a and 91 b. Middle bottom wall 95 c is positioned parallel to and to the inside of wall 82, and wall 95 d is positioned parallel to and to the inside of wall 72.

[0075] If a maximum amount of volume within the interior of tray 70 is desired, inner back wall 115 is torn away from inner top wall 112, along cuts/perforations 114 a-e. Then, inner top wall 112 is folded downwardly and inwardly, into the receiving region which has now been formed, until tabs 113 a, 113 b, are received in slots created by notches 107 a, 107 b, upon articulation of the blank into a tray.

[0076] By leaving inner back wall 115 attached to inner top wall 112, then by different methods of articulation of inner back wall 115 and inner bottom wall 119, and the tabs and mini-panels, can be used, to arrive at different interior volumes and architectures for tray 70.

[0077] In another alternative embodiment, a fold is accomplished along line 115 a. This positions inner bottom wall 119 in parallel, vertically spaced relation to bottom wall 82, just below the top edge of the front wall formed by panels 92, 94, and double fold line 93. This is shown, in the environment of the exposed tray displays, in the upper portion of FIG. 18. Panels 119 a and 119 b, and 122 are folded down, toward bottom wall 82, to help support inner bottom wall 119 above bottom wall 82. In this embodiment, the projections 116 a-b are still not deployed, but their respective component tabs 117 a and 117 b are still “flush” with their surrounding panels. In this embodiment, there is substantially less height in the enclosed volume, to accommodate shorter packages, without the need for a void filler.

[0078] In a still further embodiment, projections 116 a-b are deployed, during articulation, or thereafter, by one inserting a finger or tool, into each opening 118, and pulling on one or the other of tab pairs 117 a, 117 b, until each projection 116 a-116 b “pops” out, at a right angle, so that tabs 117 a, 117 b and adjacent portions of inner back wall 115, and the adjacent mini-panels 120 a, b or c form, from the side, a rectangular contour, as is visible, in the environment of an exposed tray display, in FIG. 19. When projections 116 a-b are deployed, there is less available depth to the interior volume of the tray, to accommodate thinner packages or a lower count of packages for a row (front to back) or both, again without requiring a separate void filler.

[0079] Tray 70 is also configured to be a stand-alone countertop display tray, if so desired, as shown in FIG. 4. This orientation is obtained by pushing easel panels 74 and 86 outwardly, and folding panels 76 perpendicular to and in locking engagement with 74, and by folding flaps 88 perpendicular to panel 86, and inserting tabs 90 a, 90 b into slots 89 a, 89 b.

[0080] Because, as can be seen from the figures, the individual trays are inclined, so that their top and bottom walls are at an angle with respect to the horizontal, a back wall support is needed to provide stability when the trays are stacked. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, inserted tray base 10 is configured to insertingly receive two stacked trays, whether they are shallow trays or deep trays.

[0081]FIG. 3b illustrates a “deep” tray to be used in combination with base 10, in that the depth of the top and bottom walls is substantially the same as or greater than the height of the back wall. To the extent that the walls, panels and flaps of the embodiment of FIG. 3b have the same orientation, structure and mode of operation (if not the same dimensions or proportions) as counterpart walls, panels and flaps in the blank of FIG. 3a, they have been given like reference numerals, differentiated by a prime (′), and their structure and mode of articulation are understood to be substantially the same as that described hereinabove.

[0082] The tray 70′ of FIG. 3b differentiates from tray 70 primarily in that it lacks the pop-up spacer structures 116 a, 116 b. In addition, tabs 111 a′ and 111 b′ are provided with are inserted and received into slots 111 c′ and 111 d′, respectively. In addition, tabs 117 a′ and 117 b′ are provided, which are crushed, and are then received in the “slots” formed, upon articulation, between side walls 96 a′, 96 b′, and flaps 110 a′ and 110 b′, to assist in alignment, stacking and orientation of trays 70′ atop one another.

[0083] In FIG. 5, “short” vertical extension/blank 150 includes center panel 152; two inner side panels 154 a, 154 b, joined to center panel 152 along fold lines 153 a, 153 b; two outer side panels 156 a, 156 b, joined to inner side panels 154 a, 154 b along double fold lines 155 a, 155 b; and back bracing panels 158 a, 158 b, joined to outer side panels 156 a, 156 b along fold lines 157 a, 157 b; and center panel bottom flap 160 joined to center panel 152 along fold line 159. Back bracing panels 158 a, 158 b include notches 161 a, 161 b and 162 a, 162 b. Bottom flap 160 when folded back 90° stabilizes fold 159, to keep it from bending or collapsing.

[0084] In FIG. 6, “long” vertical extension/blank 170 includes center panel 172; two inner side panels 174 a, 174 b, joined to center panel 172 along fold lines 173 a, 173 b; two outer side panels 176 a, 176 b, joined to inner side panels 174 a, 174 b along double fold lines 175 a, 175 b; and back bracing panels 178 a, 178 b, joined to outer side panels 176 a, 176 b along fold lines 177 a, 177 b; and center panel bottom flap 180 joined to center panel 172 along fold line 179. Back bracing panels 178 a, 178 b include notches 181 a, 181 b and 182 a, 182 b. Bottom flap 180 when folded back 90° stabilizes fold 179, to keep it from bending or collapsing.

[0085] Short vertical extension 150 and long vertical extension 170 differ in their dimensions and the proportions of their panels, but their articulation and mode of operation are the same. Accordingly, articulation of long vertical extension 170 will be described in detail (particularly in association with FIG. 11), with the understanding that similar steps will be performed for the articulation and mounting of the “short” vertical extension.

[0086] Making reference to FIGS. 6 and 11, inner side panels 174 a, 174 b are folded forward, perpendicular to center panel 172, to define a C-shaped region as seen from above. Outer side panels 176 a, 176 b are folded back into juxtaposed overlying relationship with inner side panels 174 a, 174 b, and affixed in place by any suitable means, so that the outer “edges” of outer side panels 176 a, 176 b extend backward, beyond the plane of center panel 172. Back bracing panels 178 a, 178 b are folded inwardly toward one another, to be perpendicular to outer side panels 176 a, 176 b. Long vertical extension 170 is pushed down onto the top of base 170, with the top edge region of base 10 being inserted into notches 181 a, 181 b, 182 a, 182 b, and the downwardly extending portions of outer side panels 176 a, 176 b are pushed to the inside of the tops of the sidewalls of base 10, so that long vertical extension 170 is held in place, largely by friction. Extension 170 is advantageously dimensioned, so that when mounted on base 10, center panel 172 is parallel to and substantially aligned with tray support back panel 22, to provide an extended, substantially continuous back support surface.

[0087] Long vertical extension 170 as illustrated is preferably dimensioned and proportioned to provide back support for two additional trays, for a total of four trays for the display. Short vertical extension 150 as illustrated is preferably dimensioned and proportioned to provide back support for one additional tray, for a total of three trays for the display. A greater number of trays may be accommodated, by even taller extensions, limited only by issues of center of gravity, the weight of the loaded trays, and the load strength of the particular material employed for the trays, extensions and base.

[0088] A graphics or signage riser 190 (FIG. 1b) may be provided, comprising a central panel 191, two side panels 192, 193 folded perpendicular to the central panel, and a bottom flap 194 and extensions 195, 196. Flap 194 is folded back 90° to stabilize the adjoining fold line, to keep panel 191 from buckling. No adhesive is believed necessary to hold signage riser 190 in place. Extensions 195 and 196 are insertably received in “slots” formed by articulation, in the top side regions of the topmost tray, or alternatively, into slots that are formed into the topmost tray, for example, along upper fold lines therein. The extensions may have small tabs adjoining them, forming slots, into which top edges of tray sidewalls may be insertingly received. The same riser configuration may be employed with any or all of the embodiments of the “inserted tray” modular point-of-purchase display illustrated and described herein, and such risers are shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 11.

[0089]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modular point-of-purchase display, incorporating an inserted tray floorstand 10, and shallow trays, in a two-up configuration, without front extension or vertical extension.

[0090]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular point-of-purchase display, incorporating an inserted tray floorstand 10 and shallow trays (which may be as described hereinabove), in a three-up configuration, incorporating a short vertical extension 150.

[0091]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modular point-of-purchase display, incorporating an inserted tray floorstand 10, and deep trays (that are proportioned to have twice the depth of a “shallow” or “small” tray, but are otherwise the same), in a four-up configuration, employing a front extension 50 and a long vertical extension 170. FIG. 10 is an enlarged, top and side perspective view of a portion of the modular point-of-purchase display of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is an enlarged, rear and side perspective view of a portion of the modular point-of-purchase display of FIGS. 9 and 10, showing the long vertical extender 170 in further detail.

[0092] FIGS. 12-25 illustrate the components of the “exposed tray” embodiment. FIG. 12 is a plan view of base/blank 200 for an inserted tray floorstand, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Blank 200, preferably formed from corrugated paperboard material (though other materials may be used) includes front panel 212, front bottom flap 214, fold line 216, tray support bottom panel 218, fold line 220, and tray support back panel 222. Tray support back panel 222 is connected to tray support bottom panel 218 by fold line 224. Tray support bottom panel 218 includes two laterally extending tabs 225 a and 225 b, connected to panel 218 by fold lines 226 a and 226 b. Tray support back panel 222 includes two laterally extending tabs 223 a and 223 b, connected to panel 222 by fold lines 227 a and 227 b.

[0093] Elongated slots 232 a, 232 b, 232 c and 232 d are located the opposite vertical edges of front panel 212. Front side panels 234 a and 234 b emanate from front panel 212, along fold lines 235 a, 235 b, respectively. Rear side panels 236 a, 236 b emanate from front side panels 234 a and 234 b, along fold lines 237 a, 237 b, respectively (which are provided, for enabling blank 200 to be folded flat for shipping, prior to final articulation into the finished configuration). Side-top panels 236 c and 236 d emanate from the top edges of rear side panels 236 a and 236 b, respectively, with fold lines and slots 236 e, 236 f, separating panels 236 a and b, from panels 236 c and d, respectively. Side panel bottom flaps 238 a-d emanate from the bottom regions of front side panels 234 a-b and rear side panels 236 a-b, along fold lines 239 a-d, respectively.

[0094] Back panel 240 emanates from the rear edge of rear side panel 236 b, along fold line 241, formed as lower panel 240 a and upper panel 240 b, separated by double fold line 242. Back top panel 240 c emanates from the top edge region of upper panel 240 b, along fold line 240 d. Back top flap 240 d emanates from back top panel 240 c along fold line 240 e. Back top panel 240 c also includes laterally located, generally rectangular notches 240 f and 240 g. Glue flap 244 emanates from the rear edge of rear side panel 236 a, along fold line 245.

[0095] Tray receiving region side panels 246 a, 246 b, emanate from front side panels 234 a, 234 b, and rear side panels 236 a, 236 b, along fold lines 247 a, 247 b, which include elongated slots 247 c and 247 d, respectively. Tray receiving region bottom panels 249 a and 249 b emanate from front side panels 234 a, 234 b, respectively, along fold lines 249 c and 249 d, respectively, which include elongated slots 249 e and 249 f, respectively. Panels 246 a-b receive panel 222. Panels 249 a-b receive panel 218.

[0096] Fabrication of base 210 is accomplished by folding front side panels 234 a, 234 b (which will be parallel and “flat” with respect to rear side panels 236 a, 236 b) perpendicular to front panel 212 (e.g., away from the observer of FIG. 12). Flap 214 and 238 a-d will all be folded away from the observer (i.e., into the figure), so that they will all eventually “point” inwardly toward the interior of the erected base, and substantially perpendicular to their respective adjoining panels. Back panel 240 is then folded parallel to front panel 212. Glue flap 244 will be folded perpendicular to rear side panel 236 a, and affixed to the outside or inside of rear panel 240. Panel 249 a is folded perpendicular to panel 234 a. Panel 249 b is folded perpendicular to panel 234 b. Panel 246 a is folded perpendicular to panel 234 a and panel 246 b is folded perpendicular to panel 234 b. Tray support bottom panel 218 is folded downward to form an oblique or perpendicular angle to front panel 212, with tabs 225 a, 225 b being inserted into and received by slots 249 e and 249 f, respectively. Tray support back panel 222 is lowered, until tabs 223 a, 223 b are aligned with, and subsequently inserted into and received by slots 247 c, 247 d, respectively.

[0097] Flaps 236 c and 236 d are folded inwardly, perpendicular to panels 236 a and 236 b, respectively. Panel 240 c is then folded forward, toward the top edge of panel 222, with flap 240 d being folded down and inserted behind the top edge of panel 222.

[0098] A graphics or signage riser 190′ (FIG. 12a) may be provided, comprising a central panel 191′, two side panels 192′, 193′ folded perpendicular to the central panel, and appropriate bottom flaps (194′) or extensions (195′, 196′), from each of the panels, that are folded inwardly perpendicular to their respective panels (e.g., 194′) and are preferably insertably received (extensions 195′, 196′), in “slots” formed by articulation, into the top side regions of the topmost tray, or alternatively, into slots that are formed into the topmost tray, for example, along upper fold lines therein. The extensions may have small tabs adjoining them, forming slots, into which top edges of tray sidewalls may be insertingly received. These small tabs are folded back, before tabs 195 and 196 are inserted into slots in the topmost tray. The same riser configuration may be employed with any or all of the “exposed” embodiments of the modular point-of-purchase display illustrated and described herein.

[0099]FIG. 13 is a plan view of a blank for a front extension 250 for exposed tray floorstand 200. Front extension 250 is used, when “deep” exposed trays are going to be used in the display. Front extension/blank 250 includes front panel 252; fold lines 253 a and 253 b; side panels 254 a and 254 b; fold lines 255 a and 255 b; attachment flaps 256 a and 256 b; hook tabs 258 a, 258 b, 258 c and 258 d; flap 257; fold line 257 a; fold line 259 and top panel 260.

[0100] Articulation of blank 250 is accomplished by folding panels 254 a, 254 b back oblique to front panel 252. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, front panel 252 is as wide as front panel 212 of base 210. Accordingly, there is an included angle between front panel 252 and each of panels 254 a, 254 b, in the finally articulated extension that is approximately 90°. Alternatively, if front panel 252 is not as wide as front panel 212, then panels 254 a, 254 b will eventually be at obtuse angles (i.e., >90°) to front panel 252. Top panel 260 is folded down, past the perpendicular, so that its surface is past the top edges of side panels 254 a and 254 b. Attachment flaps 256 a, 256 b will be folded inwardly toward one another, and out of plane with their corresponding hook tabs 258 a, 258 b, 258 c and 258 d, which are received in slots 232 a-d, respectively, of base 210.

[0101]FIG. 14a is a plan view of a blank for a tray 270 for use in association with exposed tray floorstand 200, specifically a deep tray. Blank 270 is configured to be articulated in several different ways, depending upon the shape, size and quantity of the articles to be displayed, to accommodate different packaging styles and sizes, such as those discussed hereinabove.

[0102] Blank 270 includes back wall 272; and diecut placement locking flaps 278, 280. Bottom wall 282 is connected to back wall 272 along fold line 284, and diecut fold-out placement flaps 289 a, 289 b which emanate along fold lines 290 a, 290 b. Outer front panel 292 emanates from fold line 291, and inner front panel 294 emanates from double fold line 293. The free “bottom” edge of front panel 294 includes two shallow tabs 295 a, 295 b, that are received in slots formed by notches 323 a, 323 b, respectively.

[0103] Sidewalls 296 a, 296 b emanate from back wall 272 along fold lines 297 a, 297 b, respectively. Slots 298 a, 298 b are aligned substantially along fold lines 297 a, 297 b, as well. Locking flaps 299 a, 299 b emanate from sidewalls 296 a, 296 b, along fold lines 300 a, 300 b, as do diecut locking tabs 301 a, 301 b, at the ends of which are knockouts 302 a, 302 b. Inner sidewalls 303 a, 303 b emanate from sidewalls 296 a, 296 b, along double fold lines 304 a, 304 b. Inner side tabs 306 a, 306 b also emanate along fold lines adjacent fold lines 304 a, 304 b. Outer top wall 308 emanates from back wall 272 along fold line 307. Top flaps 310 a, 310 b, emanate from outer top wall 308, along fold lines 309 a, 309 b. Inner top wall 312 extends along double fold line 311, and incorporates two shallow tabs 313 a, 313 b, defined by cuts 314 a, 314 b, and perforations 314 c-e. Optional inner back wall 315 adjoins inner top wall 312, and incorporates diecut deployable projections 316 a-d (although four are shown, a greater or lesser number may be employed, as desired), which are shown in their undeployed form, in FIG. 14a. Each deployable projection includes two opposing, joined tabs, e.g., tabs 317 a and 317 b, that are pivotably connected to one another, and have a circular (or other shape) hole 318 centered on the fold line between the tabs. Inner bottom wall 319 is connected to inner back wall 315, via the several pairs of tabs 317 a, 317 b, as well as the foldably connected rectangular mini-panels 320 a-320 c, located between the respective pairs of tabs 317 a, 317 b, and the end rectangular mini-panels 321 a, 321 b. Inner bottom wall 319 includes side flaps 319 a and 319 b, and inner locking flap 322.

[0104] Articulation of tray 270 is as follows: walls 308 and 282 are folded (e.g., toward the viewer of FIG. 14) to positions perpendicular to back wall 272. Flaps 310 a, 310 b are folded inwardly, perpendicular to back wall 308; flaps 299 a, 299 b, and tabs 301 a, 301 b, are folded inwardly, perpendicular to outer sidewalls 296 a, 296 b, which are, in turn, folded inwardly (toward the viewer), to be perpendicular to back wall 272. Inner side flaps 303 a, 303 b are folded inwardly. Tabs 324 a, 324 b lock into slots 298 a, 298 b, respectively, when inner flaps 303 a, 303 b, respectively, are folded in. Flaps 310 a, 310 b will be captured between outer sidewalls 296 a, 296 b, and their respective inner sidewalls 303 a, 303 b. When flaps 299 a, 299 b are folded so as to overlie bottom wall 282, flaps 289 a, 289 b are inserted through the openings created by flaps 301 a, 301 b, and vice versa, to help hold flaps 299 a, 299 b in place, and maintain bottom wall 282 in place, during subsequent articulation steps. In addition, tabs 325 a, 325 b are folded forward and inserted into corresponding slots 326 a, 326 b, as panels 296 a, 296 b are folded forward.

[0105] Flaps 306 a and 306 b are folded forward relative to walls 296 a and 296 b, respectively. Wall 292 is folded up perpendicular to bottom wall 282. Flap 294 is folded down and in, capturing flaps 306 a and 306 b, so that tabs 295 a, 295 b engage slots 323 a and 323 b, respectively.

[0106] If a maximum amount of volume within the interior of tray 270 is desired, inner back wall 315 may be torn away from inner top wall 312, along cuts/perforations 314 c, 314 d, 314 e (although this may not be desired, as a surface having a less than desired surface finish may be exposed). Then, inner top wall 312 is folded downwardly and inwardly, into the receiving region, which has now been formed, until tabs 313 a, 313 b, are received in slots 307 a, 307 b.

[0107] By leaving inner back wall 315 attached to inner top wall 312, then by different methods of articulation of inner back wall 315 and inner bottom wall 319, and the tabs and mini-panels, can be used, to arrive at different interior volumes and architectures for tray 270.

[0108] The distance from fold line(s) 314 c-e to fold line 319 c is slightly less than the distance from fold line 284 to fold line 307, so that if inner bottom wall 319 is folded, relative to inner back wall 315, along fold line 319 c, then inner back wall 315 (upon folding inwardly of inner top wall 312, and simultaneous folding outward of wall 315, with respect to top wall 312, overlies back wall 272 in its entirety, from fold lines 314 c-e, to fold line 319 c. Such an orientation is shown, in FIG. 20 herein. Upon further articulation, inner bottom wall 319 overlies bottom wall 282 (with flaps 299 a, 299 b, 301 a, 301 b, between them), wall 322 is folded up perpendicular to its respective bottom wall. Nicks 327 a and b are separated, then flaps 328 a and 329 a, and 328 b and 329 b are folded up with flaps 328 a, b, folded behind flaps 329 a, b. This embodiment will result in a volume having slightly less depth and height than the prior (possibly less desired) embodiment, due to the presence of the inner top, back and bottom walls.

[0109] The distance between fold line 319 c and 315 a is slightly less than the distance between fold lines 291 and 293. In another alternative embodiment, instead of folding inner bottom wall 319 relative to inner back wall 315, along fold line 319 c, the fold is accomplished along line 315 a, instead. Panel 322 is folded down, against panel 294. This positions inner bottom wall 319 in parallel, vertically spaced relation to bottom wall 282, just below the top edge of the front wall formed by panels 292, 294, and double fold line 293. This is shown, in the upper portion of FIG. 17. Panels 329 a, 329 b, 328 a, 328 b, and 322 are folded down, toward bottom wall 282, to help support inner bottom wall 319 above bottom wall 282. In this embodiment, the projections 316 a-d are still not deployed, but their respective component tabs 317 a and 317 b are still “flush” with their surrounding panels. In this embodiment, there is substantially less height in the enclosed volume, to accommodate shorter packages, without the need for a void filler.

[0110] In a still further embodiment, projections 316 a-d are deployed, during articulation, or thereafter, by one inserting a finger or tool, into each opening 318, and pulling on one or the other of tab pairs 317 a, 317 b, until each projection 316 a-316 d “pops” out, at a right angle, so that tabs 317 a, 317 b and adjacent portions of inner back wall 315, and the adjacent mini-panels 320 a,b or c form, from the side, a square contour, as is visible, in FIG. 18. When projections 316 a-d are deployed, there is less available depth to the interior volume of the tray, to accommodate thinner packages or a lower count of packages for a row (front to back) or both, again without requiring a separate void filler.

[0111]FIG. 14b is a plan view of a blank for a tray 470 for use in association with inserted tray floorstand 200, specifically a shallow tray, as is reflected in the fact that the top and bottom walls are approximately one-half as deep as the back wall is high. Blank 470 is configured to be articulated in several different ways, depending upon the shape, size and quantity of the articles to be displayed, to accommodate different packaging styles and sizes, such as those discussed hereinabove.

[0112] Blank 470 includes back wall 472; diecut easel flap 474, with movable tab 476 foldably attached thereto; knockouts 475 a, 475 b; and diecut placement locking flaps 478, 480. Bottom wall 482 is connected to back wall 472 along fold line 484, and includes diecut easel flap 486 with movable tab 488 foldably attached thereto; and knockouts 487 a, 487 b. Diecut fold-out placement flaps 489 a, 489 b emanate along fold lines 490 a, 490 b. Outer front panel 492 emanates from fold line 491, and inner front panel 494 emanates from double fold line 493. The free “bottom” edge of front panel 494 includes two shallow tabs 495 a, 495 b.

[0113] Sidewalls 496 a, 496 b emanate from back wall 472 along fold lines 497 a, 497 b, respectively. Slots 498 a, 498 b are aligned substantially along fold lines 497 a, 497 b, as well. Locking flaps 499 a, 499 b incorporating notches 500 a and 500 b respectively, emanate from sidewalls 496 a, 496 b, along fold lines 400 a, 400 b, as do diecut locking tabs 401 a, 401 b, at the ends of which are knockouts 402 a, 402 b. Inner sidewalls 403 a, 403 b emanate from sidewalls 496 a, 496 b, along double fold lines 404 a, 404 b, and include shallow tabs 405 a, 405 b. Inner side tabs 406 a, 406 b also emanate along fold lines 404 a, 404 b. Outer top wall 408 emanates from back wall 472 along fold line 407. Top flaps 410 a, 410 b, emanate from outer top wall 408, along fold lines 409 a, 409 b. Inner top wall 412 extends along double fold line 411, and incorporates two shallow tabs 413 a, 413 b, defined by cuts 414 a, 414 b, and perforations 414 c-e. Optional inner back wall 415 adjoins inner top wall 412, and incorporates diecut deployable projections 416 a-d (although four are shown, a greater or lesser number may be employed, as desired), which are shown in their undeployed form, in FIG. 14b. Each deployable projection includes two opposing, joined tabs, e.g., tabs 417 a and 417 b, that are pivotably connected to one another, and have a circular (or other shape) hole 418 centered on the fold line between the tabs. Inner bottom wall 419 is connected to inner back wall 415, via the several pairs of tabs 417 a, 417 b, as well as the foldably connected rectangular mini-panels 420 a-420 c, located between the respective pairs of tabs 417 a, 417 b, and the end rectangular mini-panels 421 a, 421 b. Inner bottom wall 419 includes side flaps 419 a and 419 b, and inner flap 422.

[0114] Articulation of tray 470 is as follows: walls 408 and 482 are folded (e.g., toward the viewer of FIG. 14b) to positions perpendicular to back wall 472. Flaps 410 a, 410 b are folded inwardly, perpendicular to back wall 408; flaps 499 a, 499 b, and tabs 401 a, 401 b, are folded inwardly, perpendicular to outer sidewalls 496 a, 496 b, which are, in turn, folded inwardly (toward the viewer), to be perpendicular to back wall 472. Inner side flaps 403 a, 403 b are folded inwardly, until tabs 405 a, 405 b are received in slots 498 a, 498 b. Flaps 410 a, 410 b will be captured between outer sidewalls 496 a, 496 b, and their respective inner sidewalls 403 a, 403 b. When flaps 499 a, 499 b are folded so as to overlie bottom wall 482, flaps 489 a, 489 b are inserted through the openings created by flaps 401 a, 401 b, and vice versa, to help hold flaps 499 a, 499 b in place, and maintain bottom wall 482 in place, during subsequent articulation steps.

[0115] Flaps 406 a and 406 b are folded forward relative to walls 496 a and 496 b, respectively. Wall 492 is folded up perpendicular to bottom wall 482. Flap 494 is folded down and in, so that tabs 495 a, 495 b engage notches 500 a and 500 b, respectively.

[0116] If a maximum amount of volume within the interior of tray 470 is desired, inner back wall 415 may be torn away from inner top wall 412, along cuts/perforations 414 c, 414 d, 414 e (although this may not be desired, as a surface having a less than desired surface finish may be exposed). Then, inner top wall 412 is folded downwardly and inwardly, into the receiving region which has now been formed, until tabs 413 a, 413 b, are received in slots 407 a, 407 b.

[0117] By leaving inner back wall 415 attached to inner top wall 412, then by different methods of articulation of inner back wall 415 and inner bottom wall 419, and the tabs and mini-panels, can be used, to arrive at different interior volumes and architectures for tray 470.

[0118] The distance from fold line(s) 414 c-e to fold line 419 c is slightly less than the distance from fold line 484 to fold line 407, so that if inner bottom wall 419 is folded, relative to inner back wall 415, along fold line 419 c, then inner back wall 415 (upon folding inwardly of inner top wall 412, and simultaneous folding outward of wall 415, with respect to top wall 412, overlies back wall 472 in its entirety, from fold lines 414 c-e, to fold line 419 c. Such an orientation is shown, in the environment of exposed trays, in FIG. 20 herein. Upon further articulation, inner bottom wall 419 overlies bottom wall 482 (with flaps 499 a, 499 b, 401 a, 401 b, between them), wall 422 is folded up perpendicular to its respective bottom wall. Nicks 427 a and b are separated, then flaps 428 a and 428 b, and 419 a and 419 b are folded up with flaps 428 a, b folded behind flaps 419 a, b. This embodiment will result in a volume having slightly less depth and height than the prior embodiment, due to the presence of the inner top, back and bottom walls.

[0119] The distance between fold line 419 c and 415 a is slightly less than the distance between fold lines 491 and 493. In another alternative embodiment, instead of folding inner bottom wall 419 relative to inner back wall 415, along fold line 419 c, the fold is accomplished along line 415 a, instead. This positions inner bottom wall 419 in parallel, vertically spaced relation to bottom wall 482, just below the top edge of the front wall formed by panels 492, 494, and double fold line 493. This is shown, in the environment of the exposed tray displays, in FIG. 17. Panels 419 a and 419 b, and 328 a and 328 b, and 422 are folded down, toward bottom wall 482, to help support inner bottom wall 419 above bottom wall 482. In this embodiment, the projections 416 a-d are still not deployed, but their respective component tabs 417 a and 417 b are still “flush” with their surrounding panels. In this embodiment, there is substantially less height in the enclosed volume, to accommodate shorter packages, without the need for a void filler.

[0120] In a still further embodiment, projections 416 a-d are deployed, during articulation, or thereafter, by one inserting a finger or tool, into each opening 418, and pulling on one or the other of tab pairs 417 a, 417 b, until each projection 416 a-416 d “pops” out, at a right angle, so that tabs 417 a, 417 b and adjacent portions of inner back wall 415, and the adjacent mini-panels 420 a, b or c form, from the side, a square contour, as is visible, in the environment of an exposed tray display, in FIG. 18. When projections 416 a-d are deployed, there is less available depth to the interior volume of the tray, to accommodate thinner packages or a lower count of packages for a row (front to back) or both, again without requiring a separate void filler.

[0121] Tray 470 is also configured to be a stand-alone countertop display tray, if so desired. This orientation is obtained by pushing easel panels 474 and 486 outwardly, and folding panels 476 toward 474 and 488 toward 486, until acute angles are formed between them. Each of panels 476 and 488 have laterally projecting “ears” that form shoulders with adjacent tab portions. Respective knockout pairs 475 a, 475 b and 487 a, 487 b leave behind rectangular openings, into which the top projecting portions of panels 476 and 488 are received, with the shoulders formed by the laterally projecting ears catching on the opposed distal edges of the respective pairs of knockout openings, to form one support, extending from the bottom of the tray, and another, extending outwardly and downwardly from the back wall of the tray, to form an inclined display.

[0122]FIG. 15 is an illustration of a blank for a vertical extension 350, for use with the exposed tray floorstand of FIG. 12. Blank 350 includes center panel 352; fold lines 353 a and 353 b; side panels 354 a and 354 b; elongated slots 355 a-d; side panel hook tabs 356 a and 356 b, formed by fold lines 358 a and 359 a and cut 357 a, and fold lines 358 b and 359 b and cut 357 b, respectively; and side panel flaps 360 a and 360 b. Blank 350 also includes tabs 362 a, 362 b, having tab ends 364 a, 364 b, and fold lines 363 a, 363 b, respectively.

[0123] Making reference to FIGS. 12, 15 and 19, vertical extension is formed by folding panels 354 a and 354 b perpendicular to panel 352. Flaps 360 a and 360 b are folded away from their respective tabs 356 a, 356 b. Tabs 356 a, 356 b are inserted into slots 240 g and 240 f, and 236 e and f, respectively, while tabs 364 a, 364 b are inserted into slots 246 c and 246 d, respectively.

[0124]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand display, with base 200, employing shallow trays 470, and riser 190, and without a front extension.

[0125]FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an exposed tray floorstand display, in which the tray 470 is articulated into a slip sleeve configuration without deployed spacer projections (“bumps”).

[0126]FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an exposed tray floorstand display, with base 200 in which the shallow tray 470 is articulated into a slip sleeve configuration, with deployed spacer projections (“bumps”).

[0127]FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of an upper portion of an exposed tray floorstand display, showing the vertical extension 350 attached to the upper edge of base 200.

[0128]FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an exposed tray floorstand display, in which the tray 470 is articulated into a clamshell configuration.

[0129]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand display, having base 200, front extension 250, employing two deep trays 270, and riser 190.

[0130]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand display, having base 200, front extension 250, with vertical extension 350, employing four deep trays 270, in different configurations.

[0131]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand display, having base 200, front extension 250, with vertical extension 350, employing three deep trays 270, in different configurations, and riser 190.

[0132]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the lower portion of an exposed tray floorstand display, showing the front extension 250, being affixed to the front of base 200.

[0133] While the present invention, as illustrated and described, shows two general embodiments of floorstand bases, using “shallow” and “deep trays” (wherein the deep trays are approximately twice as deep as the shallow trays), it is to be understood that trays having other depths, and relative proportions, may be employed in this modular system, and may be appreciated and understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, having the present disclosure before them, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0134] The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A modular point-of-purchase display system, for the display of a plurality of individual discrete articles, the modular point-of-purchase display system comprising: a base, erectable from a substantially flat blank, and operably configured, upon articulation, to support at least one discrete display tray, the base including an open-fronted tray receiving region, the base including a front panel, a tray support bottom panel extending rearwardly from an upper edge region of the front panel, and a tray support back panel, extending upwardly from a rear edge region of the tray support bottom panel, the tray support bottom panel and the tray support back panel together forming, at least in part, the open-fronted tray receiving region; one or more display trays, each of the one or more display trays being operably configured to be received by and supported within the open-fronted tray receiving region of the base, each of the one or more display trays having one of a first and a second depth, in which said second depth is greater than said first depth.
 2. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 1, further comprising: a front extension support, erectable from a substantially flat blank, and operably configured for attachment to the front panel of the base, when at least one of the one or more display trays has a second greater depth, the front extension support including a front extension tray support panel, configured to align in a substantially coplanar orientation with the tray support bottom panel of the base, when the front extension support is attached to the base, for providing support for a forward portion of a bottom wall of a lowermost one of one or more display trays that is received in the tray receiving region.
 3. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 1, further comprising: tray receiving region side panels operably disposed on opposite sides of the open-fronted tray-receiving region, to define a tray-receiving cavity.
 4. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 3, wherein the tray receiving region side panels, are disposed in planes substantially perpendicular to at least one of the tray support bottom panel, the tray support back panel.
 5. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 3, wherein the tray receiving cavity has a width that is greater that the width of each of the one or more display trays.
 6. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 1, wherein the tray receiving region of the base is configured for accommodating a stack of trays of a specific number, the modular point-of-purchase display system further comprising: a vertical extension support, operably attachable to an upper region of the base, for enabling the accommodation of additional one or more trays atop an uppermost one of a stack of trays of a specific number, which the tray receiving region of the base can accommodate.
 7. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 6, wherein the vertical extension support is configured to accommodate a single additional stacked tray.
 8. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 6, wherein the vertical extension support is configured to accommodate a plurality of additional stacked trays.
 9. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 6, wherein the vertical extension support includes a center panel, that is operably configured, upon positioning of the vertical extension support atop the base, to align in a substantially coplanar manner with the tray support back panel of the base.
 10. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 6, wherein the vertical extension support is provided with a plurality of downwardly extending tabs configured to engage upper edge portions of the base, for maintaining the vertical extension support in position atop the base.
 11. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more display trays is open-fronted.
 12. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more display trays is provided with at least one deployable easel support, for enabling the tray to be employed in an individual countertop display mode, independent of the base.
 13. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more display trays has a width that is greater than at least one of the tray support bottom panel, the tray support back panel.
 14. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more display trays is erectable from a substantially flat blank, into a substantially rectangular open-fronted parallelepiped.
 15. The modular point-of-purchase display system, according to claim 1, wherein the substantially flat blank includes a plurality of successively connected panels, emanating from a panel, forming an outer top wall of a tray, which plurality of successively connected panels may be articulated in a plurality of different sequences, toward providing different selectable interior configurations for the tray.
 16. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of successively connected panels, upon selected articulation, forms a tray having inner and outer top walls and a single back wall.
 17. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of successively connected panels, upon articulation, forms a tray having inner and outer juxtaposed top walls and inner and outer juxtaposed back walls, and inner and outer juxtaposed bottom walls.
 18. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of successively connected panels, upon articulation, forms a tray having inner and outer juxtaposed top walls and inner and outer juxtaposed back walls, and inner and outer vertically spaced bottom walls.
 19. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of successively connected panels, upon articulation, forms a tray having at least one spacer projection extending from inner back and bottom walls, toward an interior region of the tray.
 20. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 1, further comprising an interior support, formed from a blank discrete from the base.
 21. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim 1, wherein the substantially flat blank includes a plurality of successively connected panels, emanating from a panel forming an inner front wall of a tray, which plurality of successively connected panels form further bottom and back walls for the tray. 